Former Wales assistant Nigel Davies believes blueprint across Severn Bridge would work well in Wales, and describes Sam Warburton's situation as 'lunacy'

Former Wales assistant coach Nigel Davies says the warring Welsh Rugby Union and four regions should copy the blueprint established in the English game if they want a lasting peace that benefits both parties.

Davies, who coached the Wales team alongside Gareth Jenkins in 2006 and 2007, and also spent four seasons in charge of the Scarlets, claimed 'someone needs to knock heads together' in a bid to find a resolution to the protracted dispute between the governing body and the Blues, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.

The peace accord agreed in 2008 in England has created relative long-standing harmony between the RFU and the Aviva Premiership clubs, based as it is on a partnership which has a stated ambition of working in the interests of both sides.

"There are flashpoints but they are contained because the understanding is there. What has a huge bearing is the decision of England to only pick players from the Premiership because that means they stay in the country.

"I do not know the ins and outs of what is happening in Wales but, looking at it from the perspective of a rugby supporter who is passionate about the game in the country, the recent series of events paints a bleak picture.

"We need to keep players here because not having star names will affect the support base and the number of youngsters taking up the game. The consequences of not emulating England are more dangerous than doing so."

At present two of Wales' foremost stars - Sam Warburton and Adam Jones - find themselves in limbo, their futures dependent on a new participation agreement being put in place between the WRU and the regions.

Davies described the position as 'lunacy' and warned of the detrimental effect it will have on Warren Gatland's World Cup preparations.

Davies added: "We have two systems in place with Warburton centrally contracted and that is lunacy.

"It seems to be about control, but who is talking rugby? Someone needs to knock heads together as it is already affecting Gatland with so many of his star players based outside Wales.

"He has lost complete control over how players are managed in France where they do not have the best physical and medical set-ups and they overplay players.

"This has gone on for so long that I do not know if it will work itself out, but as it stands the Welsh regions will never be a force in Europe again."

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